Part 38 (1/2)

The tattooed English to the ly left the deck, slipped down into their canoe, and this led off, followed by the first cutter

”Give way, my lads!” said the lieutenant; ”andoff in any shape whatever--that is, if we land These fellows see hundreds, and I suppose you knohat your fate would be if they got the upper hand”

”Make tattooed chiefs of us seely, sir,” said Jem

”Or hot joints,” said the officer laconically ”Ready there with that lead”

The men rowed steadily on after the first canoe, and theno bottorowing more beautiful as each point was passed The other canoes followed, and a curious thrill ran through Don, as he felt how helpless they would be if the savages proved treacherous, for the boat and her crew could have been overpowered at once; and the lieutenant was evidently uneasy, as he saw that they were taken right round to the back of a sht of the shi+p

But he had his duty to do, and keeping a strict watch, after passing the word to his men to have their ar all the time

It was a curious experience, and Don's heart beat as he thought of the possibility of escaping fro the while ould be the consequences Thecanoe was evidently well treated, and quite one in authority; and if they landed and joined these people, why should not he and Jehts suggested by the novelty and beauty of the place, which seemed ten times more attractive to those who had been for months cooped up on shi+pboard; but the toil in which he was engaged kept Don frolance ashore

Bosun Jones sat at the tiller side by side with the lieutenant, and scraps of their conversation reached Don's ears

”Well, sir,” said the foruns; but if anything happens to us, we e”

”And a deal of good that will do us, Jones,” said the lieutenant ”I believe that scoundrel is leading us into a trap”

”If he is, sir, I hope for one chance at him,” said the boatswain; ”I don't think I shouldcanoe went on for quite a quarter of a ht of the shi+p, the cutter following and taking soundings all the way, till they seeh land, and the water was as smooth as a lake

There, about five hundred yards from the shore, the canoe stopped, and almost at the saot soundings in ten fathoain, at which depth the water see!” said the lieutenant, brightening; ”as snug a berth as a shi+p could be in Why, Jones, what a position for a port!”

”This do, sir?” shouted the tattooed Englishman ”You'll be quite in shelter here, and the water keeps the sas were taken, and then the boat returned to the shi+p, which ht, with the canoes hanging about, and soway to be allowed on deck But special precautions were taken; sentries were doubled; and, as if feeling that the fate of all on board depended upon his stringent regulations, the captain only allowed about half-a-dozen of the savage-looking people to coement Don had contrived that Jeht, with the soft air playing in through the open port-hole, they listened to the faint sounds on shore, where the savages were evidently feasting, and discussed in a whisper the possibility of getting away

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

AN INVITATION

It see to New Zealand was to select and survey portions of the coast for a new settlement; and for the next few days well-ar, and in two casesshort journeys inland

”I say,” said Je over the side of the shi+p at the verdant shores

”Well, Je chap Ra tales about us?”

”I don't knohy?”

”Because here's a fortnight we've been at anchor, and since the first day neither of us has been out in a boat”